Funding Opportunities for Out-of-School Time Programs in NASA Glenn Region

The Office of Education at NASA’s Glenn Research Center is seeking applications from youth-serving organizations and formal/informal education institutions that serve students in grades 4-9 in the Glenn six-state region. This region includes Illinois, Indiana, Michigan, Minnesota, Ohio and Wisconsin.

Awards must be used to implement out-of-school time content, specifically Glenn’s Engineering Design Challenge: “Let It Glide” or activity modules from the NASA Out-of-School Learning Network. These resources provide educational content through which students have the opportunity to work on real-world challenges in a collaborative, team-based environment. Students apply lessons learned to problems faced by STEM professionals while gaining a deeper knowledge of how NASA is a part of their everyday lives. These resources must be implemented between May 1, 2017, and Aug. 31, 2017.

NASA’s Glenn Research Center in Cleveland, Ohio, is offering tours that take visitors behind the scenes and inside certain research facilities. Glenn scientists and engineers serve as guides. Tours and open house events will be held each month through October 2017. Tours are free for groups and individuals, but to guarantee admission, reservations are required. Visitor parking is also free.

On the days of the tours, a bus departs from Glenn’s main gate every hour, beginning at 10 a.m. The last tour departs at 1 p.m. Each tour lasts about 45 minutes and is followed by a stop at Glenn’s Gift Shop. (The historic district tours follow a different schedule. See tour schedule for details.)

Glenn’s 2017 Tour Schedule

April 1, 2017 — Electric Propulsion Laboratory: Enter the proving grounds for deep space exploration! Visitors will get a behind the scenes tour of the Electric Propulsion Laboratory, which houses two huge vacuum chambers that simulate the space environment.

May 6, 2017 — Historic District Tour Featuring the 10- by 10-Foot Wind Tunnel: Join us on a free tour of Glenn’s recently established historic district. The tours feature the 10- by 10-foot Supersonic Wind Tunnel. For over 60 years, the wind tunnel has been used to conduct propulsion testing, including research for the Apollo program.

June 3, 2017 — NASA Glenn Hangar: Get a behind-the-scenes look at the NASA Glenn Hangar. See how aircraft at NASA Glenn are used to monitor algae blooms on Lake Erie and other waterways.

July 8, 2017:SLOPE Laboratory: Explore locomotion on planets with a visit to the Simulated Lunar Operations, or SLOPE, Lab. See how rover components are tested for their ability to navigate and investigate planetary surfaces.

Aug. 5, 2017 — Photovoltaic Laboratory: See the light of solar cells with a behind-the-scenes tour of the Photovoltaic Laboratory. See how researchers are exploring ways to create energy from light in order to power everything from homes to spacecraft.

Sept. 9, 2017 — Zero-G Facility: Explore microgravity research of yesterday, today and tomorrow with a tour of Glenn’s Zero-G Facility. Learn how dropping payloads over 400 feet can give researchers a glimpse into microgravity conditions.

Oct. 7, 2017 — Historic District Tour Featuring the 8- by 6-Foot Wind Tunnel: Join us on a free tour of Glenn’s recently established historic district. The tours feature the 8- by 6-foot Supersonic Wind Tunnel. Built in 1946, the wind tunnel has contributed to decades of aeronautics research.

The NASA STEM Educator Professional Development Collaborative at Texas State University is presenting a series of free webinars open to all educators. Join NASA education specialists to learn about activities, lesson plans, educator guides and resources that bring NASA into your classroom. Registration is required to participate. To register, simply click on the link provided beneath the webinar description.

Solar System Exploration: Dwarf PlanetsAudience: Pre-service, In-service, Home School, and Informal Educators of Grades 5-9Event Date: April 3, 2017, at 6:30 p.m. EDT
Participants will get an overview of the story behind the creation of the Dwarf Planet classification. Learn about currently identified dwarf planets in our solar system and NASA resources for teaching about dwarf planets. Activities discussed in this webinar address the Next Generation Science Standards PS2 and ESS1. Register online to participate. https://www.etouches.com/227777

Solar System Exploration: Juno to JupiterAudience: Pre-service, In-service, Home School and Informal Educators of Grades K-12Event Date: April 4, 2017, at 6:30 p.m. EDT
Participants will learn about the solar system and beyond with NASA’s Juno mission to Jupiter. Learn about the Juno mission, which began in August 2011, while also learning about hands-on activities related to the solar system. Register online to participate. https://www.etouches.com/233990

Technology in the Classroom: Tools for Diverse LearnersAudience: Pre-service, In-service, Home School and Informal Educators of Grades 2-8Event Date: April 4, 2017, at 8 p.m. EDT
Participants will explore how technology can be used to amplify student design and reflection pieces in science activities. With these readily available tools and practices, we can give students meaningful opportunities to revise and improve their projects to demonstrate their own learning and to share artifacts of their work. We will explore examples provided from elementary SPED classrooms and shared by special guest speaker Nick Giacobbe. Nick Giacobbe is a Harvard-educated SPED teacher named Innovator the Year for his work bringing technology into the classroom. Register online to participate. https://www.etouches.com/236299

Solar System Exploration: Hubble — A HistoryAudience: Pre-service, In-service, Home School and Informal Educators of Grades 5-8Event Date: April 5, 2017, at 6:30 p.m. EDT
Participants will get a historical overview of NASA’s Hubble Space Telescope. Discussion will focus on using the telescope as a platform for teaching science concepts. Activities discussed in this webinar address the Next Generation Science Standards ESS1 and PS4. Register online to participate. https://www.etouches.com/227779

Solar System Exploration: Life on Mars?Audience: Pre-service, In-service, Home School and Informal Educators of Grades 5-8Event Date: April 6, 2017, at 6 p.m. EDT
Is there life beyond our Earth? Using NASA STEM lessons, participants will explore the possibility of life on Mars using the definition of “life” to determine whether anything is alive in three different simulated Mars soil samples. The lessons have students experiment, record observations, and draw pictures as they collect data from the samples to determine if life may exist in any of them. Register online to participate. https://www.etouches.com/232490

Future robotic missions to Mars and human exploration of the Red Planet will require massive payloads to be delivered to the surface. NASA is developing large, sturdy and lightweight systems to deliver the next generation of rovers and landers to Mars. These systems, called Low Density Supersonic Decelerators, aim to solve the complicated problem of slowing spacecraft entry vehicles down to deliver large payloads safely to the surface of a planetary body without bringing along massive amounts of extra rocket propellant or carrying a large and heavy atmospheric entry shield.

Join the Office of Education at NASA’s Armstrong Flight Research Center for an educator professional development workshop where participants will learn about this exciting new technology. Using NASA’S BEST Engineering Design Process, attendees will design a prototype of new drag devices to potentially land humans, habitats, and their return rockets safely on Mars.

The workshop will take place Wednesday, April 5, 2017, 4:30-6 p.m. PDT at NASA’s Armstrong Educator Resource Center at the AERO Institute in Palmdale, California.

Tune in on Monday, April 10, 2017, at 10 a.m. EDT, to #askDLN questions about engineering and working at NASA.

Kennedy Space Center will host an hourlong live question-and-answer session with three engineers to discuss their different careers paths and current work experiences. Watch the live event on the NASA DLiNfo Channel and tweet questions with #askDLN or email questions to DLiNfochannel@gmail.com.

Join NASA’s Digital Learning Network for an online Solar Eclipse Workshop on April 11, 2017, at 5 p.m. EDT. This hourlong live-streamed educator workshop will showcase solar eclipse education resources for K-12 educators. Learn how NASA education resources can help you bring the excitement and science of the total eclipse of Aug. 21, 2017, to your classroom. Several hands-on activities will be demonstrated during the workshop, and subject matter experts will explain why the eclipse is a unique event for scientists and the public.

This is the first total eclipse to cross the United States since the 1970s, and the next one will not occur until 2024. Make plans to attend and learn how to engage your students in “Total Eclipse 2017.”

Smithsonian’s National Air and Space Museum Presents ‘STEM in 30’ Webcast Series

The Smithsonian’s National Air and Space Museum is presenting a series of free education webcast events called “STEM in 30.” This program consists of live, fast-paced 30-minute webcasts designed to increase interest and engagement in science, technology, engineering and mathematics for students. To enhance the learning experience, students can get involved with the content through the interactive “Cover It Live” feature, which includes poll questions and classroom activities. The webcasts are available live on the National Air and Space Museum website and NASA TV, and they will be archived for on-demand viewing.

The Women Paving the Way to MarsApril 12, 2017, at 11 a.m. and 1 p.m. EDT
“Boldly go where no man has gone before.” Iconic gender-specific phrases like this don’t tell the entire story. Women have been and continue to be an important part of the aerospace industry — from the first woman in space, Valentina Tereshkova, to human computer Katherine Johnson, who helped send humans to the moon, to Christina Koch, one of NASA’s newest astronauts. Join the webcast to learn about the women who are helping pave the way to Mars.

African-American Contributions to Aviation and SpaceflightMay 17, 2017, at 11 a.m. and 1 p.m. EDT
African-Americans have made contributions to aviation since its inception but found themselves routinely denied access to training as pilots and mechanics. “Brave” Bessie Coleman had to learn another language and travel across the ocean to earn her pilot’s license. The Tuskegee Airmen battled against discrimination to serve in World War II. NASA engineer Kobie Boykins helped design every rover that has gone to Mars. Join the webcast to explore the integral part African-Americans have played in shaping America’s aerospace industry.

“STEM in 30” webcasts are online learning experiences but are filmed in front of a live audience. If you are interested in bringing your school group to a live filming of “STEM in 30,” please email STEMin30@si.edu for details.

Student Spaceflight Experiments Program — Mission 12 to the International Space Station

The National Center for Earth and Space Science Education and the Arthur C. Clarke Institute for Space Education announce a science, technology, engineering and mathematics, or STEM, opportunity for school districts across the U.S. and space station partner nations. The newest flight opportunity, Mission 12 to the International Space Station, gives students across a community the ability to design and propose real experiments to fly in low Earth orbit on the space station. This opportunity is part of the Student Spaceflight Experiments Program, or SSEP.

Each participating community will receive a microgravity research mini-laboratory capable of supporting a single microgravity experiment and all launch services to fly the minilab to the space station in spring/summer 2018 and return it to Earth. An experiment design competition in each community — engaging typically 300+ students — allows student teams to design and propose real experiments vying for their community′s reserved mini-lab.

Content resources for teachers and students support foundational instruction on science in microgravity and experimental design. Additional SSEP programming uses the experiment design competition to engage the community in embracing a learning-community model for STEM education.

This competition is open to students in grades 5-12 and college. Informal education groups and organizations also are encouraged to participate. Interested communities must inquire about the program no later than April 28, 2017. The National Center for Earth and Space Science Education is available to help interested communities in the U.S. secure the needed funding.

SSEP is enabled through a strategic partnership with DreamUp PBC and NanoRacks LLC working with NASA under a Space Act Agreement as part of the use of the International Space Station as a national laboratory. The Center for the Advancement of Science in Space (http://www.iss-casis.org/) is a national partner of SSEP. To view a list of all SSEP national partners, visit http://ssep.ncesse.org/national-partners/.

If you have any questions about this opportunity, please email SSEP National Program Director Jeff Goldstein at jeffgoldstein@ncesse.org.

NASA Fundamental Physics Workshop 2017

The NASA Fundamental Physics Workshop 2017 will be held May 31-June 2, 2017, in Santa Barbara, California.

The workshop will provide a forum for NASA fundamental physics investigators to present results and discuss research ideas for future space experimentation with interested international and U.S. colleagues. Topic areas include atomic and molecular physics; fundamental forces and symmetries; dusty plasma physics; and condensed matter physics.

All interested scientists and researchers are invited to participate. The participation of the current NASA-funded investigators is strongly encouraged and kindly requested.

Are you a highly motivated middle school teacher who wants to increase your knowledge of Earth science? Sign up today to attend “The Little Blue Dot — Earth Science for Middle School Teachers” workshop. Sponsored by the Texas Space Grant Consortium, this workshop will take place June 12-15, 2017, at the University of Texas in Austin.

Workshop attendees will learn about hands-on activities designed to support the Earth science standards in grades 6-8. NASA scientists and engineers will share their expertise and Earth science research. Participants will earn 24 hours of professional development credit in Earth science.

Find out what astronaut Victor Glover has to say about self-care and team-care. NASA Education’s STEM on Station and 4-H announce the third learning module release for Expeditionary Skills for Life, a curriculum modeled after the soft skills astronauts work to develop as they prepare to live and work together on the International Space Station. Expeditionary skills include self-care and team-care; cultural competency; leadership and followership; teamwork; and communication. Each skill-focused learning module includes STEM-based activities along with a video message from an astronaut or astronaut trainer explaining how the skill is used at NASA and why it is important to a successful STEM career. The self-care/team-care video features Victor Glover as he shares a personal story.

The release of Expeditionary Skills for Life aligns with the spaceflight of astronaut Peggy Whitson, a former 4-H member. Whitson helped develop the expeditionary skills courses used during astronaut candidate training.

The lesson plans and videos will be used in 4-H clubs and camps throughout the U.S. and are available publicly at www.nasa.gov/education/4H.

The 4-H Youth Development Program is the youth outreach program from the land-grant universities’ Cooperative Extension Services and the United States Department of Agriculture.

Are you a science educator or interested in science education? Sign up for the NASA Education “Science WOW!” newsletter. Receive an email with NASA’s latest science education offerings delivered “Weekly on Wednesdays.”

Science starts with a question, and so does “Science WOW!” Each week’s message kicks off with a science question and a link to where you can find the answer. “Science WOW!” also highlights an awesome science education tool each week. These featured resources will include NASA apps, interactive games, 3-D printing templates and more!

Plus, “Science WOW!” delivers — right to your inbox — the latest science education opportunities offered by NASA. It’s a simple way to keep up with the latest professional development webinars, student contests, workshops, lectures and other activities.

NASA’s Space Technology Mission Directorate seeks proposals from accredited U.S. universities on behalf of faculty members early in their careers to conduct space technology research of high priority to NASA. NASA is seeking proposals that plan to pursue innovative, early-stage space technology research in the topic areas specifically enumerated in the solicitation.

Only accredited U.S. universities are eligible to submit proposals on behalf of their outstanding new faculty members who intend to develop academic careers related to space technology. The proposed research must be led by a single, eligible principal investigator. The PI must be an untenured assistant professor on the tenure track at the sponsoring U.S. university at the time of award. The PI must be a U.S. citizen or have lawful status of permanent residency. The PI must be the primary researcher on the effort; co-investigators are not permitted. Collaborators (other than NASA civil servants/JPL) are permitted. See the solicitation for complete requirements regarding eligibility and for definitions and restrictions regarding collaborators.

Exploration of the Moon and Asteroids by Secondary Students (ExMASS) High School Research Program

NASA’s Johnson Space Center in Houston, Texas, and the Center for Lunar Science and Exploration at the Lunar and Planetary Institute are looking for 10 teams of motivated high school students and their teachers to participate in a national standards-based lunar/asteroid research program for the 2017-2018 academic year.

Supervised by their teacher and aided by a scientist advisor, participants undertake student-led open-inquiry research projects that engage them in the process of science and support the goals of the NASA Solar System Exploration Research Virtual Institute. At the end of the year, four teams compete for a chance to present their research at the Exploration Science Forum held at NASA’s Ames Research Center at Moffett Field, California, in July 2018.

Participation in the ExMASS program is free. Interested teachers must submit an application. Applications are due March 31, 2017.

Smithsonian’s National Air and Space Museum Presents ‘Making STEM Magic’ Program

The Smithsonian’s National Air and Space Museum is presenting a series of free education events called “Making STEM Magic.” This new program introduces young visitors to engineering in a fun and creative way. Participants learn by doing. Each challenge involves designing, building and testing a prototype. Each month, a new theme will be introduced with a new problem to solve.

Events are scheduled each Saturday from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. ET at the National Air and Space Museum’s Steven F. Udvar-Hazy Center in Chantilly, Virginia. The events are free and open to the public.

In the Heat of the Moment: Space CapsulesEach Saturday in April 2017Imagine an astronaut hurtling toward Earth in a space capsule at tremendous speeds. In this challenge, participants will design a heat shield to keep the astronaut cool from the heat of re-entry.

Blast Off!: PropulsionEach Saturday in May 2017It really is rocket science. Try your hand at designing a rocket and staying on target.

Red Rover: Mission to MarsEach Saturday in June 2017Did you know that rovers are robotic ambassadors? Learn more about NASA’s mobile labs and construct your own rolling rover.

Please direct questions about this series of events to the Visitor Service line at 703-572-4118.

NASA and the American Historical Society Seek Applicants for Fellowships in Aerospace History

The Fellowships in Aerospace History are offered annually by NASA to support significant scholarly research projects in aerospace history. These fellowships grant the opportunity to engage in significant and sustained advanced research in all aspects of the history of aerospace from the earliest human interest in flight to the present, including cultural and intellectual history, economic history, history of law and public policy, and the history of science, engineering, and management.

NASA provides funds to the American Historical Association, the History of Science Society, and the Society for the History of Technology to allow each association to award a fellowship. These include the Fellowship in Aerospace History, the Fellowship in the History of Space Technology and the Fellowship in the History of Space Science.

The fellowship term is for a period of at least six months, but not more than nine months, and should commence no later than Nov. 15, 2017. The fellow will be expected to devote the term entirely to the proposed research project. Each fellowship carries a stipend of $21,250, which includes travel expenses.

Applicants must possess a PhD in history or in a closely related field, or be enrolled as a student (having completed all coursework) in a doctoral degree-granting program.

Application materials are due April 1, 2017. Applications will be entered into consideration for all three fellowships.

2017 Presidential Awards for Excellence in Mathematics and Science Teaching

The National Science Foundation currently is accepting nominations and applications for the Presidential Awards for Excellence in Mathematics and Science Teaching program. PAEMST is the highest recognition that a teacher of K-12 mathematics or science (including computer science) may receive for outstanding teaching in the United States. Since 1983, more than 4,500 teachers have been recognized for their contributions to mathematics and science education. Awardees serve as models for their colleagues, inspiration to their communities, and leaders in the improvement of mathematics and science education. Up to 108 awardees may be recognized each year.

Presidential awardees receive a certificate signed by the President of the United States; a trip to Washington, D.C., to attend a series of recognition events and professional development opportunities; and a $10,000 award from the National Science Foundation. The National Science Foundation administers PAEMST on the behalf of The White House Office of Science and Technology Policy.

The PAEMST program is open to outstanding mathematics and science teachers (including computer science teachers) in the 50 states and the four U.S. jurisdictions (Washington, D.C.; Puerto Rico; Department of Defense education activity schools; and the U.S. territories as a group). Anyone — principals, teachers, parents, students or members of the public — may nominate a teacher by completing the nomination form available on the PAEMST website. Teachers also may apply directly. Teachers from groups underrepresented in STEM teaching and learning are encouraged to apply.

The nomination deadline for secondary school teachers (grades 7-12) is April 1, 2017. Primary school teachers (grades K-6) are eligible to apply in 2018.

STEM Enhancement in Earth and Space Science, or SEES, is a nationally competitive summer intern program for students in grades 10 and 11. NASA, the Texas Space Grant Consortium and The University of Texas at Austin Center for Space Research, or UT/CSR, have joined forces to provide this opportunity for high school students to increase their understanding of and interest in STEM careers.

Scientists and engineers at UT/CSR are conducting NASA-supported research in astronomy, remote sensing and space geodetic techniques to help understand Earth systems, natural hazards and climate science. The SEES project provides selected students with exposure to Earth and space research. Participants will learn how to interpret NASA satellite data while working with scientists and engineers in their chosen area of work.

The summer 2017 internship requires students to complete distance learning activities by July 15 in preparation for the on-site in Austin, Texas, July 17-29. Housing, transportation and meals will be provided. Students are selected on the basis of their academic records, written application that includes essay questions, and interest in STEM.

On Aug. 21, 2017, the United States will experience a solar eclipse. This celestial event will provide a golden opportunity to engage and educate diverse audiences, and NASA has the resources to help. Join the Educator Resource Center at NASA’s Marshall Space Flight Center in Huntsville, Alabama, for a series of grade-level specific educator workshops to learn about safety tips, hands-on activities, resources and more!

The Theodore von Kármán Lecture Series, named after the founder of the Jet Propulsion Laboratory and presented by JPL’s Office of Communication and Education, shares the excitement of the space program’s missions, instruments and other technologies.

Lectures take place twice per month, on consecutive Thursdays and Fridays. The Thursday lectures take place in JPL’s Theodore von Kármán Auditorium, and Friday lectures take place at Pasadena City College’s Vosloh Forum. Both start at 7 p.m. PDT (10 p.m. EDT). Admission and parking are free for all lectures. No reservations are required, but seating is limited. The Thursday evening lectures are streamed live for viewing online. Archives of past lectures are also available online.

Next Lecture in the Series:

Harnessing the Sun’s Light to Explore Our Planet and Universe
Event Date: April 6 and April 7, 2017, at 7 p.m. PDT (10 p.m. EDT)http://www.jpl.nasa.gov/events/lectures_archive.php?year=2017&month=4
Spectral mapping, a type of remote sensing that uses reflected sunlight to produce imagery of the chemical composition of planetary surfaces, is useful when studying Earth and other planetary bodies. Join research systems engineer Mark Helminger for a discussion about the science behind measuring spectra of reflected sunlight and the phenomena that make spectral remote sensing possible.

Registration is now open for the 2017 LiftOff Summer Institute, sponsored by NASA’s Texas Space Grant Consortium. This weeklong professional development training for teachers will be held June 26-30, 2017, at NASA’s Johnson Space Center in Houston. This competitive aerospace workshop emphasizes STEM learning experiences through speakers, hands-on activities and field investigations.

The theme for this year’s institute is “Starry Night.” The event will focus on NASA missions studying our sun and the solar system to unravel mysteries about their origin and evolution. The total solar eclipse of 2017 will be highlighted.

Attendees must be U.S. citizens currently employed as classroom teachers of grades 4-12 with at least one year teaching experience prior to the institute. Texas Space Grant pays all expenses for any selected Texas teacher. Other Space Grant Consortia fund teachers from their states.

If you have questions about the 2017 LiftOff Summer Institute, please email your inquiries to Margaret Baguio at baguio@tsgc.utexas.edu.

Launch Opportunity: RockSat-XN Program

The RockSat-XN program is a new partnership between NASA and Andoya Space Center designed to give students access to space at a new launch site as part of the Grand Challenge Initiative. The internationally organized Grand Challenge Initiative is composed of seven rockets that will launch in December 2018 and January 2019 to conduct research on cusp space physics. One of these rockets is the G-CHASER student rocket, which will be flown as part of a new RockSat program called RockSat-XN (RockSat-X Norway). The G-CHASER rocket will launch in early January 2019 from Andoya Space Center in Norway.

(The original March 14 deadline to submit a notice of intent to fly has been extended. Also, a project workshop to be held in May 2017 in Norway has been canceled. Attendance at the workshop is no longer a requirement for participation.)

The RockSat-XN program provides hands-on experiences to students and faculty advisors to equip them to support the future technical workforce of the United States and other participating countries. The program also can help students and faculty advisors become principal investigators on future science missions of NASA or other institutions.

Student teams are invited to submit an intent-to-fly form before April 14, 2017.

Host a Real-Time Conversation With Astronauts Aboard the International Space Station

ARISS-US is accepting proposals from U.S. schools, museums, science centers and community youth organizations (working individually or together) to host an Amateur Radio on the International Space Station, or ARISS, radio contact with an orbiting space station crew member between Jan. 1 and June 30, 2018. Proposals are due April 15, 2017.

ARISS is looking for organizations that will draw large numbers of participants and integrate the contact into a well-developed education plan. Students can learn about satellite communications, wireless technology, science research conducted on the space station, working conditions in space, radio science, and any related STEM subject. Students learn to use amateur radio to talk directly to an astronaut to ask their STEM-related questions. ARISS will help educational organizations locate amateur radio groups who can assist with equipment for this once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for students. Exact dates for the 10-minute radio contact are determined by crew scheduling and space station orbits.

ARISS-US is offered through a partnership between NASA, the American Radio Relay League, and the Radio Amateur Satellite Corporation. ARISS was created and is managed by an international working group.

2018 eXploration Habitat Academic Innovation Challenge

NASA is seeking university teams to develop innovative design solutions for deep-space human exploration systems in the 2018 eXploration Systems and Habitation Academic Innovation Challenge. NASA’s Advanced Exploration Systems Division sponsors the X-Hab Challenge as part of its core function to develop foundational technologies and high-priority capabilities that are the building blocks for future human space missions. Topic areas for this year’s challenge include 3-D printing of biologic materials, long-term hygiene, water condensation, replacement power systems and a Mars habitat commonality.

Working with the National Space Grant Foundation, NASA’s Advanced Exploration Systems Division and Space Life and Physical Sciences Division will offer multiple X-Hab 2018 awards of $20,000 to $30,000. These awards will allow winning teams to design and produce studies or functional products that will increase knowledge and foster risk reduction for space exploration capabilities. Awardees will follow a tailored systems-engineering process with projects being completed in the May 2018 timeframe.

Proposals will be accepted from university faculty who are U.S. citizens and who currently teach at an accredited university in the U.S. Eligible educators must be teaching a senior or graduate engineering design, industrial design or architecture curriculum that is accredited by the Accreditation Board for Engineering and Technology.

The Texas Space Grant Consortium and the Aviation and Space Foundation of Texas, in partnership with NASA, are offering undergraduate scholarships of $1,500 in memory of the Space Shuttle Columbia astronauts. These seven men and women made the ultimate sacrifice to expand the exploration of space and our knowledge of the world that we live in.

These scholarships are intended to recognize high-quality students and encourage their consideration of graduate studies in science, technology, engineering and mathematics that would ultimately lead to careers in STEM-related fields. The scholarships stress excellence in academics, participation in STEM education and research projects, and the exhibition of leadership qualities.

Applicants must be U.S. citizens and registered for at least a half-time course load at a Texas Space Grant Consortium institution. Members of underrepresented groups are encouraged to apply.

Applicants must be U.S. citizens who hold a bachelor’s degree and are enrolled in a master’s program at a Texas Space Grant Consortium institution. Members of underrepresented groups are encouraged to apply.

Texas Space Grant Consortium Fellowships encourage graduate study in the fields of space science and engineering. Interdisciplinary and integrated work experience are emphasized.

Each $5,000 award supplements half-time graduate support (or fellowship) provided by a consortium institution. The fellowship award is good for one year. Each fellowship may be renewed for a maximum of three years, provided the recipient has spent no more than two of those years as a master’s candidate.

Applicants must be registered for full-time study in a graduate program at one or more of the Texas Space Grant Consortium institutions and must be promised financial support at that institution. Applicants must also be U.S. citizens. Members of underrepresented groups are encouraged to apply.

NASA is embarking on a journey to Mars! Are your students ready to join in the adventure? Spark excitement in your classroom with the Mars Survival Kit.

The Mars Survival Kit is a collection of educational activities for students in grades K-12. Each educational activity includes a brief description, as well as information about how the activities and lessons align to the Next Generation Science Standards.

On Aug. 21, 2017, the United States will experience a solar eclipse! This celestial event will provide a golden opportunity to engage and educate diverse audiences, and NASA has the resources to help.

Along a path 60 to 70 miles wide stretching from Oregon to South Carolina, observers will be able to see a total solar eclipse. Others across North America will see a partial eclipse. The event will happen around lunch time across the country. For an interactive map with timing information along the path of the eclipse, visit http://eclipse.gsfc.nasa.gov/SEgoogle/SEgoogle2001/SE2017Aug21Tgoogle.html.

The NASA Headquarters Office of Education, in cooperation with the agency’s four mission directorates, nine center education offices, and the Jet Propulsion Laboratory education office, announces this competition to improve science, technology, engineering and mathematics education. Responses must be submitted electronically via the NASA data system NSPIRES (http://nspires.nasaprs.com).

NASA Education seeks to partner with eligible domestic or international organizations on a no-exchange-of-funds basis to reach wider and more diverse audiences and to achieve mutually beneficial objectives. The announcement places a priority on collaboration involving the following: digital learning; engaging underrepresented groups in STEM; NASA-themed STEM challenges; and youth-serving organizations. NASA also is receptive to other creative ideas including, for example, investigations or application of science, technology, engineering, arts, mathematics and design, or STEAMD; or activities culturally relevant to or focused on populations underrepresented in STEM careers, such as women, ethnic minorities and persons with disabilities. The announcement explains the criteria used to review responses and NASA’s partnership mechanism known as a no-exchange-of-funds or nonreimbursable Space Act Agreement.

Find NASA science resources for your classroom. NASA Wavelength is a digital collection of Earth and space science resources for educators of all levels — from elementary to college, to out-of-school programs. http://nasawavelength.org/

Check out the ‘Explore NASA Science’ website!
Science starts with questions, leading to discoveries. Explore the redesigned NASA Science site and send us feedback. Visit https://science.nasa.gov. To view the site in Spanish, visit http://ciencia.nasa.gov.

Do you just want to receive weekly updates on NASA Education opportunities relating to science? Sign up for the NASA Education “Science WOW!” newsletter for science opportunities delivered to your inbox “Weekly on Wednesdays!” https://www.nasa.gov/education/sciencewow/